An Integrated System to Support Low Vision Consultation

In the last years we have seen a significant growth in the number of multidisciplinary projects between computer science and medicine. The computer science development and the continuous growth of confidence in its products are some relevant factors to rise in this cooperation. This project was born three years ago, from an association between Instituto Superior Técnico and Hospital de Santa Maria, and produced several computational modules to support low vision consultations. Technically, the system is based on Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Distributed Systems techniques, and it results from the integration of several modules, namely: database, knowledge acquisition module, consultation module and rehabilitation exercises. The database stores the patient data (personal data, results from the ophthalmologic examinations, expectations and effective capacities) and the consultation module manages that data and supports the access of several simultaneous users through an Internet browser. To assure information confidentiality we use a security policy, based on data encryption techniques and rigid access controls. Knowledge acquisition module searches for behaviour patterns within the patients’ files, stored in the database. With these patterns we hope to find rules to establish a customized rehabilitation plan for each patient and optimise the evaluation tests. Finally, the rehabilitation module provides exercises to train the visual perception, through the creation of Virtual Reality scenes. With conclusion of these modules, we have finished the construction of the basic elements of an expert system that will help low vision professionals in their work.